From the newsletter of Albert Allema (The Netherlands)
Little Music Boat
On a beautiful sunny Saturday afternoon after eating fresh stroopwafels at the open air market, I cycled home. When I crossed a bridge where a lot of people were gathered, I joined them. The reason for them standing on this bridge was the musician, Reinier Sijpkens, who was passing by. He makes music from his little boat. It was a gorgeous serenade. The whole day, I reflected on this wonderful spectacle, however God had placed another thought in my mind earlier that day: “Albert, you are going to talk to a German guy this evening.” This thought was so specific; it could only have come from God. It was my free evening but I listened to the voice of God and went to the hostel.
When I arrived in the hostel, I saw a guy playing guitar. Starting a conversation with an artist is always easy. After some cows and calves (Dutch saying for small talk), he asked me some heavy questions and underpinnings about my faith. I found it amazing to see that God gave me the words to say in this sometimes-complicated conversation.
In a dark city like Amsterdam it is awesome to see God doing miracles and turning sad moments into beautiful blessings. God uses battles to motivate. The other day I had a hard day because of a spiritual battle. It was a big struggle, and I wasn’t myself; the enthusiastic Albert was gone. I had to speak with my manager because it was quite obvious. She is really gifted to help when people are struggling with these kind of battles. She handed me ‘’the story jar’’ and I had to read the stories. Oh, I will explain what this jar is. Staff workers put encouraging stories from the hostel in the jar in order to encourage each other. But it turned out that I was actually the only author of the stories. When I was reading the stories, I noticed some tears begin to well up (this was one of the only times that I have had tears because of my writing skills) because it was very special to see that God was working in me and I realized that God still is willing to do that. I read my Frisian Bible and went to pray. It was amazing to see that I was reborn again. After this, I could have a great conversation with a girl from Asia. It was really great to see God working through my struggles.
HOW DID I END UP HERE?
In school I studied photography, but after my graduation I didn’t really know what the next step would be. During a service at my church, where I was taking photographs, God led me to the front of the stage where prayer was available. Normally I am not drawn to receive prayer when I am photographing. But during this prayer, beautiful words came from the mouth of this person. He asked God if He would bring people to my path who would tell me what God’s next step is for my life. In miraculous ways, God brought to light the plans for my future; two people told me to think about working at the Shelter and I decided to apply.
Now I am aware of the fact that God is in control and that I don’t have any reason to worry about anything. Not about my finances, not about the way people look at me, not about my future. God will provide, for sure! I like it so much here in Shelter. Every day is full of surprises. Every day I have opportunities to drink coffee and share about life and God’s love with beautiful people from around the whole globe—isn’t it amazing?! I spend my free time as a bird photographer. When I go into the fields in the early morning, I don’t know which birds I will have in front of my lens that day. But I know I will see awesome things because it is another day with God! I think that is applicable for our lives as followers of Christ. He is continually blessing us—enjoy it!